First look at the new Jaguar XF

In keeping with the “out of sight until you need it” interior design philosophy Jaguar have tried to follow with the XF, a digital touch screen replaces a lot of buttons and switches on the dash, providing a wide range of control over interior and entertainment features such as the iPod-compatible stereo, sat-nav system, optional analogue/digital TV, and the ability to manage mobile phone calls via direct Bluetooth integration with the car. Another nice touch is the air conditioning/heating vents, which rotate out of sight when they’re not in use.

Sit in the driver’s seat and the large start button glows red to welcome you. Pressing it starts the car, and as the touch screen initializes, the start button rises up to become a rotary gear selector knob in what Jaguar refer to as the car-driver “handshake.” Diffused mood lighting highlights interior details like the door-mounted switches, header console and a very sexy illuminated blue dashboard.

Three interior trim levels will be offered, all featuring plenty of wood panelling. The Luxury level will be available with either petrol or diesel V6 engines, Premium Luxury (with the naturally aspirated V8), and SV8 (with the supercharged V8 petrol alternative).

Chassis and Body

The XF’s chassis features class-leading torsional rigidity, with unequal-length wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension each mounted on subframes for maximal control. The goal here is to create a balance between a luxury ride and sports performance to match the car’s appearance.

The body shape has been developed using computer-simulated fluid dynamics at the CAD stage, with the resulting shape boasting the lowest aerodynamic drag of any production Jaguar and a front-to-rear lift balance of precisely zero. These aerodynamics contribute to impressively low wind noise, aid fuel consumption and strong high-speed stability and handling.

Ordering

The XF is available to order now. The first cars will be delivered to customers in June 2008. Further details at the Jaguar XF Website.